BRITAIN TO BID FAREWELL TO THE NATION’S MOST ICONIC ROLLERCOASTER
02/10/2008
BRITAIN TO BID FAREWELL TO THE NATION’S MOST ICONIC ROLLERCOASTER
The Alton Towers Resort announces the end of an era as Europe’s first double loop rollercoaster, the Corkscrew, is to be taken down.
The 1980’s was an era defined by icons; Michael Jackson, Margaret Thatcher…and Europe’s first double-helix rollercoaster, the Corkscrew, at the Alton Towers Resort. After 28 fantastic years of generating exciting family fun and creating profound memories as the first ever rollercoaster experienced by thousands, the time has come for big kids everywhere to say goodbye to Britain’s most iconic ride. On 9th November 2008, the Corkscrew will unleash its double-loop drama for the last time before being taken down.
The Corkscrew, a ride that has led the way for rollercoasters in both Great Britain and the World over, has continued to thrill for almost three decades. Unveiled to an audience of over 30,000 visitors in April 1980, the popular rollercoaster has been a hit with all ages, from the just tall enough, brave 8 year olds to the granddads, riding to prove they’re never too old to have fun.
Over the 28 years, the Corkscrew has carried a whopping 43.5 million riders and has travelled over 820,000 miles to date – the equivalent distance of travelling to the moon and back nearly four times.
Russell Barnes, Divisional Director for the Alton Towers Resort said:
“The Corkscrew has played a key part in the heritage of the Alton Towers Resort, and I am sure millions of our guests will look back with fond memories of the first time they were inverted upside down twice within 3 seconds! We are extremely proud to have hosted Europe’s first double helix rollercoaster, but it is now the right time to say goodbye to the attraction as we look forward to continuing to pioneer fantastic family entertainment of the future”.
The Alton Towers Resort is currently planning an event to celebrate the Corkscrew’s 28 years of operation to be held on Sunday 9th November – see www.altontowers.com/corkscrew for more details.
The Alton Towers Resort, part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, is home to the UK's best-loved theme park with 2 hotels, a waterpark, a spa, an extraordinary golf course, and nineteenth century gothic towers. It is located in 500 acres of Staffordshire countryside and offers a unique combination of rides and attractions for all ages, from soft play areas for tiny toddlers to ground-breaking, world-first adrenalin inducing rollercoaster rides.
For further information and original archive images, please contact:
Katie Astaire or Emma Russell
At Frank PR
Tel: 020 7693 6999
altontowers@frankpr.it
Notes to editors:
First Installed 1980
Opening Date 4th April 1980
Location Ug Land
Cost £1.25 million
Manufacturer Vekoma
Designer Arrow Dynamics
Weight 350 tonnes
Track Length 728 metres
Height Of Drop 23 metres
Maximum Speed 44 mph (70 km/h)
Maximum G Force 3.1 G
Ride Duration Approx. 1 minute, 45 seconds
Capacity 24 per train
Throughput 43,449,840 people
Total Cycles 1,810,410
Distance Travelled 1,317,978.48 Kilometres/ 818,953.31 Miles
Seating Arrangement 2 trains, 6 cars per train, 2 row per car, 2 seats per row
Restraint Type Shoulder restraints
Height Restriction 1.2 metres
Since the rollercoaster was opened in 1980:
• Britain voted in the first female Prime Minister
• The World Wide Web was invented
• British rock stars raised £150 Million for Africa through Live Aid
• The world celebrated the Millennium
• Britain and America went to war in Iraq
• Britain brought back a record medal haul at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
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Comments
Finally had a go on it in the late 90's and thought it was quite tame compared to some of the rides in Florida I'd been on.
Shame to see it go, but times move on - I expect the steel is worth more now as scrap.
Still think the Big One at Blackpool is the best I've been on so far at night singing vindaloo with 20 odd of our mates all the way round and then straight back on with the wind and the lights at night. Great experience its the nuts! Haven't been up their for years but love the place.